What is the role of mediation in legal disputes?

Mediation serves a crucial role in legal disputes as it involves a neutral third party who facilitates dialogue and negotiation between the conflicting parties. The mediator does not impose a decision but instead helps the parties communicate more effectively, identify their interests, and explore potential solutions. This collaborative approach allows for greater flexibility than formal arbitration or litigation, often leading to outcomes that are satisfactory to both sides.

In contrast, formal arbitration involves an arbitrator making a binding decision based on the evidence presented, which is different from the non-binding nature of mediation. Investigative methods used by courts typically involve processes to gather evidence, not mediation practices. Furthermore, while comparing evidence might occur during litigation, mediation focuses on negotiation and settlement, rather than directly comparing evidence. Thus, the role of mediation is specifically centered on enabling resolution through facilitation rather than adjudication or investigation.